Rating Coding Languages

 

Rating Coding Languages: Which Ones Are Actually Worth Learning?

If you are getting into coding, one of the hardest questions is surprisingly simple: Which programming language should I learn?

There are so many options, including Python, Java, JavaScript, C++, C#, Swift, and more. Every language has people claiming that theirs is the best. The truth is that there is no single perfect programming language. Each one has different strengths, weaknesses, and areas where it stands out.

So, instead of ranking them based only on popularity, here is my rating of some of the most commonly used coding languages based on difficulty, versatility, career opportunities, and usefulness for beginners.

1. Python: 9.5/10 🐍

Python is probably the easiest language to recommend to someone who is just starting out.

Its syntax is relatively simple and readable, which allows beginners to focus more on learning programming concepts instead of getting stuck on complicated syntax. However, Python is not just a beginner language. It is widely used in artificial intelligence, machine learning, cybersecurity, data science, automation, and web development.

Best for: Beginners, AI, cybersecurity, data science, and automation

Overall: 9.5/10

Python gets a nearly perfect score because it is beginner friendly while still being powerful enough for advanced projects.

2. JavaScript: 9/10 

If you have ever interacted with a website, there is a good chance you have interacted with JavaScript.

JavaScript is one of the main technologies behind interactive websites. It can be used to create animations, games, interactive features, and dynamic webpages.

It is also extremely versatile. With technologies such as Node.js, JavaScript can be used outside of the browser to build applications and servers.

Best for: Web development, interactive websites, and applications

Overall: 9/10

JavaScript can be confusing at first, but learning it opens the door to a huge part of modern web development.

3. Java: 8.5/10 ☕

Java has been around for decades, but it is still widely used today.

One of Java's biggest strengths is its use in large scale applications and software systems. It is also commonly taught in schools and universities, making it a useful language for students who want to strengthen their computer science fundamentals.

Best for: Software development, large applications, and computer science

Overall: 8.5/10

Java is not necessarily the easiest language to start with, but learning it can give you a strong understanding of programming fundamentals.

4. C++: 8.5/10 

C++ is definitely not the easiest language on this list.

It gives programmers a high level of control over how their programs use computer resources. This makes it especially useful for performance intensive software. C++ is commonly used in game development, systems programming, competitive programming, and other areas where performance matters.

The downside is that this extra control also makes the language more complicated.

Best for: Game development, systems programming, and high performance applications

Overall: 8.5/10

C++ can be difficult to learn, but it can also give you a deeper understanding of how computers and software work.

5. C#: 8/10 

C# is a versatile language developed by Microsoft. It is commonly used with the .NET platform and is also well known in game development because of its use with Unity.

If you are interested in creating games, C# can be an especially useful language to learn.

Best for: Game development, applications, and .NET development

Overall: 8/10

C# is a solid choice for people who want a powerful language without starting with something as complex as C++.

6. Swift: 7.5/10 

Swift is Apple's programming language for developing applications across its platforms.

If your goal is to create applications for the iPhone, iPad, or Mac, Swift is an obvious language to consider.

Its biggest strength is also its biggest limitation. Swift is closely connected to Apple's ecosystem, so it is less versatile outside of Apple development.

Best for: Apple app development

Overall: 7.5/10

Swift is an excellent choice if you specifically want to build Apple applications, but it is not as broadly applicable as Python or JavaScript.

7. Kotlin: 7.5/10

Kotlin is a modern programming language that is especially important in Android development.

It works well with Java while offering a more modern syntax and features designed to make development easier and safer.

Best for: Android development and JVM applications

Overall: 7.5/10

Kotlin is a great language to learn if mobile development interests you, particularly if you want to work with Android.

So, Which Language Should You Actually Learn?

There is no single answer.

If you are completely new to coding, I would start with Python. It provides a relatively simple introduction to programming while allowing you to explore areas such as AI, cybersecurity, and data science.

If you are interested in websites, learn JavaScript.

If you want to strengthen your computer science fundamentals, Java or C++ can be valuable.

If you are interested in game development, consider C# or C++.

If you want to build mobile apps, look into Swift or Kotlin depending on which platform you want to develop for.

The most important thing is not choosing the perfect language. It is learning how to actually program.

Once you understand concepts such as variables, loops, functions, conditionals, data structures, and algorithms, learning another programming language becomes much easier.

Final Rankings

Language	Rating	Best For
Python	9.5/10	AI, cybersecurity, data science, beginners
JavaScript	9/10	Web development
Java	8.5/10	Software development, computer science
C++	8.5/10	Games, systems, performance
C#	8/10	Games, applications
Swift	7.5/10	Apple apps
Kotlin	7.5/10	Android development

What coding language would you rate #1? It might depend less on which language is "the best" and more on what you actually want to build.